They say there is a place in Orlando where you can camp without being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

They say you can roast marshmallows by a fire and sing campfire songs without worrying about black bears or other creatures that go bump in the night.

They say there is a place in Central Florida where you can spend the night feeling like an honest to goodness pioneer, without waking up in a tent that’s turned into a sauna by 7 in the morning.

Where could such a place exists?

Cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney, of course.

Disney’s Fort Wildnerness Resort is like camping without any of the nastiness of camping.  Secluded cabins allow guests to enjoy the surrounding forests and the modern amenities we’ve become unable to live without.

This is the perfect place to expose children to the camping experience while avoiding having to sleep on the ground.  Enjoy nightly campfire songs with Disney characters, fishing, horseback riding, and bike riding.  And you can also swim in the pools, play video games in the arcade, and play tennis on the courts – bet you can’t get that at your local campground!

Of course, this naturally rustic experience is going to cost you a tiny bit more than a night of tent living – about $300, in fact.

But think of how much you’ll save in bug spray!

Photo from TravelPost.

Sannibel Seaside Inn Room, Florida

Sanibel Island on the west coast of Florida is one of the hidden gems on the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island isn’t crowded with high-rise condos and hotels. The pristine beach has been preserved around the island for visitors and families to enjoy its nature. White sandy beaches and calm Gulf waters are the backdrop of Seaside Inn at Sanibel Island.

Staying at Seaside Inn gives you access to the shell-covered 14 mile stretch of sandy beach. Tropical foliage houses nature at its best with pelicans and herons and in nearby waters you’ll find manatee and dolphins. Show your family the nature of Florida just out the front door of your hotel.

You don’t have to skimp on your lifestyle with in-room internet access, cable TV, and DVD player. Relax in your room on the Gulf with the breeze blowing through your doors and window while your surf the internet! Your family will have plenty of room to enjoy your weekend getaway in a standard room, a suite, or one of Seaside Inn’s beachfront cottages.

This tropical getaway is available year-round, and with rates in the Spring around $200/night, it’s a must-visit for your weekend away from home.

Sannibel Seaside Inn - Gulf of Mexico, Florida

Address: 541 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957 | Phone: 866-48-74355
Website: www.seasideinn.com

Photos courtesy: Seaside Inn

Cynics may call Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark Holiday” (see: my husband), but many couples take advantage of incredible getaway vacation deals offered by Florida hotels for a romantic getaway weekend. It just so happens that this year, the big V-day falls on a Sunday (that’s February 14, 2010, just in case you forgot), so a romantic weekend away is the perfect way to celebrate your love and commitment.

Bungalow at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

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Yosemite in winter

Yosemite in the winter is simply beautiful. Many people come here to camp and hike during the warmer weather months, but there is something magical about this grand national park in the colder months.

Snowy meadows, frozen peaks and the quiet can be incredibly conducive to romance or just a great way to recharge your batteries. Whatever you decide, there are many ways to enjoy the Yosemite Valley.

Our stay at The Ahwahnee in January was overall so relaxing and a wonderful time. We had thought about waiting until February and enjoying a Valentine’s escape to Napa, but decided instead to experience Yosemite in snow.

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a splurge compared to other lodging options in or near the park, but worth it if you can swing it.  The architecture and magnificent façade are amazing to see, especially for the first time. There is a grandeur about this stately hotel. No wonder presidents and royalty have stayed here.

Snowy peaks above

Did you know that The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, which feature Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point? This beautiful hotel has the warmth of a mountain ski lodge but on a grander scale. The interior rooms have Native American motifs and accents with natural wood furnishings.

View from Ahwahnee Hotel ground floor

This AAA Four Diamond hotel has 123 handsomely appointed guest rooms, including 99 hotel rooms, parlors and suites and 24 cottages. We stayed in the main building in a guest room and found that we ate most of our meals in the grand dining room.

With the chilly air and icy roads, I quite enjoyed staying indoors and staring out the enormous windows at the fabulous views, with a warm drink and book. However Badger Pass is not too far if you prefer to go skiing and the hotel can help with arrangements.

Inside the main dining room

Other types of lodging around Yosemite National Park are available during the winter and summer months but you will need to check ahead of time to see what roads are open, besides availability – I suggest you check directly with Yosemite National Park.  Booking directly with the park may also save you money or get you one of their seasonal packages or other sweet bargains.

Discover your inner Ansel Adams and no matter when you go or where you stay, don’t forget to take your camera!!

Photo credits to sfcphotography